IN a bid to give children a Christmas this year, a toy appeal and collection point will be at the Bromsgrove Rugby Club on December 4.
Residents will be coming together to donate brand-new toys for the third year in a row to help those families who are really feeling the pinch this Christmas.
Jayne Tingle, organiser and founder of the appeal, is urging more people to get involved due to the cost of living crisis putting more pressure on families.
“If everyone gives a little, then we can help a lot of people.”
In previous years hundreds of brand-new gifts and around nine carloads were donated, from little stocking fillers to bigger presents.
“I saw some children donating their pocket money – grandparents donating gifts and enjoying buying children presents after seeing theirs grow up – parents bringing in new scooters and doll houses – the generosity in previous years has been astounding.”
So far, over 80 new toys have been donated before the collection point has started, and Jaynes’s living room has already transformed into a toy storage unit.
All toys collected are used to populate a pop-up shop organised by New Start, where adults feeling the pinch this Christmas can choose toys for their children.
Marion Kenyon, chief executive of New Start, hopes this year will be just as successful as previous years.
“As with 2020, 2021 provided a toy shop full of joy – including tears – but also a space where individuals felt valued and loved by their community through this fantastic support.
“This year, we know many peoples and families are facing even bigger challenges, and we want to make sure that every child in Bromsgrove has a smile on their face this Christmas morning.”
In previous years, teenagers in care have also benefited from the appeal, with Jayne putting aside some older presents and donating them.
All toys are requested to be new and packaged so it is easier to transport and stock them in the pop-up shop.
The collection point will be between 9.30am and 12.30pm.
Email [email protected] for more information.
